1985 190e VS Post 89 190Es
 

What are the differences between the earlier 190E's vs later 190E's. Talking about the 2.0 litre variant in particular.

A/C, brakes, body cladding, wheels, radio, antenna, to name a few....

Jim

For the engine...different ignition system, double row timing chain, different piston & combustion chamber design.

wiper
 

Also, two blade non-extending wiper became concentric one blade wiper.

We've got a '93 190e 2.3 in the group....and its a pretty tight/fun car. Doesn't have many issues either, engine is strong and runs great even with 201k on it!

Have to be a bit careful, since model years can also include some previoius year builds. In the W201, cars built after December 85 have the jumping mono wiper with the dual nozzle hood, however there are many 85 models that were built in late 84 that aren't so equiped.

The 84 M102 engine had solid lifters and lower compression pistons while the 85 and on M102 had they self adjusting hydraulic lifters.

W201
 

Non-extending was 1984 only. 14" wheels then, also.

What year/
 

I think you meant after Dec 1984. My '85, built about March '85 had the extending wiper arm. Which is about the only thing on that POS that didn't break, BTW.

The most important issue was reliability. The early cars, through about '86 are to be avoided like the plague. Even my '89 190E 2.6 had many many warranty fixes.

There are a few 1985 MY W201 that were built in in late 84 that didn't have the dual nozzle hood, jumping wiper, etc., but nearly all 85's have the updated wiper, windshield, cowl, and hood.

As for reliability, much depends on how the previous owner(s) maintained the car. We were the original owners of an '85 190E, got the 250KM badge, but did have to do the routine maintenance and refresh of the suspension bushings, ball joints, etc. That's to be expected of a multi-decade car.

well.... we just bought a 1992 190e 2.6 with 70k original miles.....

.... from an 87 year old owner.


it seemed like they over maintained it or were talked into things that they didn't need...

that said... we are replacing everything possible that is rubber....

i have owned many 300e's...and i think this car is built just as well.....

i won't have any problem re-doing a transmission or front suspension when the time comes..

i think the previous owners spent more than 6k in the last four years... oh well...